In worn good condition, a rare pipe back etched 1822P Victorian British Infantry Sergeant’s Sword
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Officer’s 1822Ps are fairly common, not so the sergeant’s version of this sword, of which this is one. Especially rare as it is both pipe backed and etched, though not nearly as much as an officer’s sword. It is going to be worn at best, as these were given long and often arduous service lives. This one is marked “S S (over) 3 (over 45)”; “S S” is not a officially designated regimental abbreviation; it may be something unofficial for South Staffordshire or something like Surrey School with the “3 45” March 1845, which makes sense. If it ended up being in a military school, it also makes sense as to why the sword survived. It has seen service, for sure, the tip has been re-pointed (very well) suggesting it lost its tip at some point, and being period sharpened.
The scabbard is almost guaranteed to be original to the sword. Marked “4 (over) 2/25” for weapon 25 of the 2nd battalion of the 4th Regiment of Foot, the King’s Own Royal Regiment (Lancaster) . As there was no 1oth battalion until WW1, the later engraved “10/68” is probably the last date applied to the scabbard / sword in its final service. As Queen Victoria ascended the throne in 1837, the sword dates from then until 1845 when fullered blades replaced the pipe backs.
The 31 /13 inch blade is in remarkably good condition and firm in the grip and hilt. The Gothic hilt / guard with VR (Victorian) cypher to the cartouche, some verdigris (green tarnish), not much, has bending / warping damage / wear as these frail brass guards were reviled for by officers, but is still sound, even good; the folding guard section works well. The grip has lost its twisted grip wire bindings and a couple of small patches of fishskin (plus some shrinkage), but still, for an 1822P sergeant’s sword, it is good. The leather and brass scabbard is good but has a taped repair near the chape. The sword sheathes and draws well but is tight when full sheathed. Knightâs head trademark of Carl Reinhardt Kirschbaum (1814-1862) to the blade. As there is no cypher to the blade, I suspect the blade was made as King William IV became ill and died.
They are rare and don’t come much better. Under priced at was £? (too late, now sold). Please quote item reference AH27. Further / full sized images available upon request. Box 1681-100x15x14 (1.585).
